Dr. Elisa Tso Bomgaars is a board-certified Medical Oncologist and joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in October 2013. She specializes in Lung, Head & Neck malignancies, Myeloma & Lymphoma and hematologic disorders. She has been involved in clinical and drug development research at the Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center in Omaha, Nebraska, and has presented at several American Society of Clinical Oncology and Hematology annual meetings. She is at present an investigator in research trials.

Amber is a bilingual (Spanish/English) board-certified Nurse Practitioner who was born and raised in Arizona. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University followed by her Master of Science in Nursing from University of Phoenix.

Dr. Rajesh Bagai joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in August 2013. He earned his medical degree at the age of 23 from Northeast Ohio Medical University, having completed the six-year honors program in medicine. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology and Hematology. Dr. Bagai has been selected by his professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine.

Amber was born and raised in Arizona and has worked as an oncology nurse since 2011. She received her Bachelors and Masters of Science in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner from Grand Canyon University. As a registered nurse, Amber has worked oncology, hematology, and bone marrow transplant. Amber is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the Oncology Nursing Society. Amber is very passionate about oncology and excited to be working with the Ironwood team.

Amber lives in Glendale with her husband and one daughter. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, watching sports, playing sand volleyball, and spending time with her family and friends.

Dr. Di Como treats both benign and malignant conditions of the breast. His additional training in breast surgery offers women with breast cancer a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to care utilizing breast conservation therapy and oncoplastic techniques. His current research interests are focused on rare breast lesions, inflammatory breast cancer, cancer genetics, and identifying patients at high risk for breast cancer. He is also passionate about community outreach and educating the public about breast health.

Scott is originally from the Philadelphia area and completed his training receiving his Master’s Degree in PA Sciences at Saint Francis University, Pennsylvania in 2004. After completing PA school, Scott moved to Phoenix Arizona where he started his career working in Radiation and Medical Oncology.

Dr. Liu specializes in lung, head & neck malignancies, myeloma & lymphoma and hematologic disorders. He has been actively involved in both translational and clinical research. He has published in several well recognized, peer-reviewed journals and has presented at national meetings. He is an active member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology. He is at present an investigator in research trials.

Dr. Murali Murty is a board-certified Radiation Oncologist and joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in November 2014. Dr. Murty specializes in genitourinary, lung ,head & neck, skin & sarcoma malignancies and myeloma & lymphoma. He has been selected by his professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine.

Dr. Joseph Nabong is Chief of Strategy and Development for Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers. He is a board-certified medical oncologist and specializes in genitourinary, breast malignancies and hematologic disorders. He is at present an investigator in research trials. Dr. Nabong joined Ironwood Physicians, P.C., in 2003 as a Medical Oncologist. As Ironwood grew Dr. Nabong became the Chief of Strategy and Development. Dr. Nabong is genuinely the “heartbeat” of Ironwood.

Marytza joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers March 2023, she is a bilingual (Spanish/English) board-certified Nurse Practitioner, born and raised in a small town in California. She packed her bags and made the Sonoran Desert her new home; earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from ASU, followed by her Master’s of Science in Nursing from University of Phoenix. Prior to joining Ironwood, Marytza worked as an urgent care Nurse Practitioner diagnosing in a high paced environment. Before her career as a Nurse Practitioner, Marytza dedicated herself to her patients and developed her skills as a registered nurse in both the progressive care unit and emergency department. During her free time, Marytza enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. She enjoys hiking, camping, and visiting National Parks with her husband. Marytza recently had a son and is excited to travel with him as well. She also loves spoiling her fur babies; Cookie, Logan and Luna.

Dr. Anthony Pasquarella joined Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers in September 2022. Dr. Pasquarella specializes in thoracic malignancies (Lung/Head & Neck cancer) and lymphoproliferative disorders such as Multiple Myeloma and Lymphoma and hematologic disorders. He is currently triple board certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology and Hematology. He received his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine and then went on to complete both his residency and fellowship at NYU Long Island School of Medicine in Mineola, New York.

Christine Saraceni, DO, MS attended medical school at Midwestern University, Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine. She joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in August 2016 where she specializes in breast malignancies and hematologic disorders. She values medical education and continues to mentor medical students and residents in her clinic and is currently a preceptor for Midwestern school of medicine. She has been selected by her professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine.

Dr. Darshil Shah serves as the Director of the Gastrointestinal Oncology Division at Ironwood. He joined Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers in July 2017. Dr. Shah is Board Certified in Hematology and Medical Oncology. Dr. Shah specializes in gastrointestinal malignancies. He has published manuscripts in reputed peer-reviewed journals. His professional peers have selected him as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine.

Bettina (Tina) is a Nurse Practitioner for Ironwood Radiation Oncology Department in our Glendale location.  She attended St. Vincent School of Nursing, Toledo, Ohio to become an RN.  She has a Bachelor Science of Nursing from Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio.  At the University of Toledo, she completed her Family Nurse Practitioner education.  She worked at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center, Toledo, Ohio for 30 years; 22 of these years were in Radiation Oncology.

Dr. Ian DeRoock joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in 2009 after completing a residency in Internal Medicine followed by a fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at the University of California at Davis. He is a first-generation Panamanian American fluent in both English and Spanish. He previously earned his medical degree at the University of Arizona. Dr. DeRoock is board certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology.

He specializes in all gastrointestinal malignancies, myeloma & lymphoma, and hematologic disorders. He has been active in developing clinical trials for pancreatic cancer and lymphoma and has presented his research findings at the American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting as well as the Annual Pan-Pacific Lymphoma Conference. He is at present an investigator in research trials.

Dr. Ian Komenaka is a board-certified general surgeon who completed the Breast surgical oncology fellowship at Columbia University- Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. He specializes in treatment of both benign and malignant diseases of the breast. He completed his undergraduate education at Cornell University and returned home to the University of Hawaii to complete medical school. He completed surgical residency at New York Methodist Hospital. After fellowship at Columbia University, he also completed post-fellowship training in Genetic cancer risk assessment at City of Hope National Medical Center.

Dr. Sud joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in January 2012. After finishing his medical school in India, Dr. Sud completed his residency training at the Lincoln Medical Center, an affiliate of the Cornell University in New York, NY. He then served as Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona, where he served as the Chief of Inpatient Medicine. He completed his fellowship training at the Strong Memorial Hospital, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY. Dr. Sud has participated in several clinical research trials and has been published in peer-reviewed journals. His areas of clinical and research interests include several solid tumors, gastrointestinal, and hematological disorders. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology. He is at present an investigator in research trials.

Jennifer was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina where her family still resides. She first obtained her Associates Degree in Nursing in 2000 at Trident Technical College in Charleston. She has since held many positions taking care of oncology patients as an RN.

Dr. Puneet Bhalla is a board-certified Medical Oncologist specializing in genitourinary and lung malignancies. He joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in September 2006. A strong patient advocate, he routinely picks up the phone to communicate with other physicians and health insurance companies on his patient’s behalf. He has been nominated as “Top Doc” in medical oncology by his peers several times in PHOENIX Magazine.

Dr. Gross specializes in genitourinary, gastrointestinal and skin malignancies and is board certified in radiation oncology. He received a Bachelor of Science degree, cum laude, in biology with chemistry minor from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He earned his medical doctorate from the University of Nevada School of Medicine. He has been selected by his professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine.

Dr. Farooqui specializes in lung, head & neck malignancies and hematologic disorders. He is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology as well as the American Society of Hematology. He is also a member of the ASH Grassroots Network which focuses effort on affecting healthcare policy for patients with hematologic conditions. He has participated in the ASH Advocacy Leadership Institute and traveled to Capitol Hill in Washington, DC to advocate for patients. He is also invested in education and is currently the subspecialty coordinator of Hematology/Oncology for the new Dignity Health Internal Medicine Residency Program in the East Valley. He is at present an investigator in research trials.

Dr. Kalmadi joined Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers in 2008 and serves as Chief Medical Officer.  After finishing his medical schooling in India, Dr. Sujith Kalmadi completed his residency training and fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Kalmadi is actively involved in the education of medical students and residents from Creighton University School of Medicine and Midwestern University and serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor in Hematology and Medical Oncology at both institutions. He has been selected multiple years by his professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine.

Dr. Khanuja completed his medical degree at Christian Medical College in Ludhiana, India. His fellowship followed at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit. Dr. Khanuja is a Diplomate, Subspecialty Board of Medical Oncology and Hematology and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.

He is the Founding Member of Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, the largest comprehensive private practice model with approximately one hundred providers in the Phoenix metro area. Dr. Khanuja is a board member of the Five Rivers foundation, primarily involved in social causes and scholarships.

Dr. Anita Koszyk-Szewczyk joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in July 2009, after completing her Hematology and Oncology training at Penn State University Hershey Medical Center. Dr.Szewczyk has earned her medical degree at Jagiellonian University Collegium Medicum in Krakow, Poland and Honors Biology at McMaster University Hamilton, Canada.

She served as Chief Fellow at Penn State University and she specializes in breast malignancies and hematological disorders. She is at present an investigator in research trials. She has been selected by her professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine

She is originally from Poland and Canada. She is board certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology.

Jenny received her Master’s Degree in Science of Nursing from Grand Canyon University. She is board certified by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.

Dr. Onyemaechi Okolo-Taku joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in 2021. She has been blessed with a multicultural and multinational upbringing, which has greatly influenced her everyday interactions, her cultural competency, and her work. Dr. Okolo- Taku completed her undergraduate degree at The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, and after college moved to Spain for a little over 1 year. She spent the first two years of medical school at St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada and finished off in New York City. While in medical school she did international electives in Nicaragua and the Czech Republic. After NYC, she moved to Tucson, Arizona, where she completed her internal medicine residency, hematology and oncology fellowship, and integrative medicine fellowship. She is a member of ASCO, ASH, SIO, and IOWG.

Dr. Ortiz Cruz joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Center in September 2014, after completing her hematology and medical oncology fellowship at the University of South Carolina in Charleston. Dr. Ortiz specializes in breast malignancies and hematologic disorders. Dr. Ortiz’s goal is to deliver the best care available for her patients by providing personalized treatment planning in conjunction with cutting-edge therapy.

Paula received her Master’s Degree from Grand Canyon University in 2012 as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner as well as her Post-Master’s Degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2022. She is dual certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Prior to pursuing her advanced nursing degree, Paula worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse for 3 years and a Registered Nurse for 18 years caring for a wide range of patients in critical care, inpatient hospital, and emergency care settings.

Dr. Sud joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in January 2012. After finishing his medical school in India, Dr. Sud completed his residency training at the Lincoln Medical Center, an affiliate of the Cornell University in New York, NY. He then served as Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona, where he served as the Chief of Inpatient Medicine. He completed his fellowship training at the Strong Memorial Hospital, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY. Dr. Sud has participated in several clinical research trials and has been published in peer-reviewed journals. His areas of clinical and research interests include several solid tumors, gastrointestinal, and hematological disorders. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology. He is at present an investigator in research trials.

Dr. Tsai has been practicing in Arizona since 2007 and joined Ironwood Cancer& Research Centers in 2010. She earned her MD at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and completed an internship at MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn, Illinois and is Board Certified in Radiation Oncology by the American Board of Radiology. Dr. Tsai specializes in breast, genitourinary, and gastrointestinal malignancies and lymphoma & myeloma. She has extensive experience in Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation brachytherapy (APBI), HDR brachytherapy, IGRT, and IMRT.

Dr. Woo has practiced Radiation Oncology since the late ’90s. He joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in 2005 after practicing in Chandler for five years and Sun City for three. He is Board Certified in Radiation Oncology and specializes in head & neck, thoracic, breast, skin and sarcoma malignancies. He has been selected in multiple years by his professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine.

Dr. Laura Champagne is a board-certified General Surgeon who has been in clinical practice since 2004.  Her professional interests are focused on the treatment of all types of breast disease with an emphasis on the treatment of breast cancer. Dr. Champagne takes pride in making patient-specific treatment recommendations while using an evidence-based approach.  She engages in collaborative, multidisciplinary breast cancer care for each patient.  Treatment decisions are coordinated with the medical oncologist, radiation oncologists, and plastic surgeons.

mille is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner at Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers, working alongside Dr. Chad Cherington. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Grand Canyon University and Master of Science in Nursing- Family Nurse Practitioner at Walden University. She is board certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Camille began her career as a registered nurse in both inpatient and outpatient oncology-medical/surgical settings. There, her interests in pursuing her nurse practitioner degree grew. With her years of experience in cancer care, Camille understands the need for compassionate care and a reliable care team that patients can trust. She believes in providing quality care for her patients and their families and advocating for their needs. Camille resides in Gilbert, Arizona with her husband and three cats. She enjoys traveling, cooking, working out, and spending time with family and friends.

Dr. Anu Batra interests include advancing the field of breast cancer research, to improve therapeutic approaches in treatment of patients with all stages of breast cancer including rare breast cancers as well as breast cancer prevention. She is at present an investigator in research trials and encourages expanding access to clinical trials for patients in the community. She has expertise in the growing field of precision and personalized medicine along with immuno– oncology and is committed to providing patient centered care with compassion. She specializes in breast malignancies, myeloma and lymphoma and hematologic disorders.

Dr. Cherington serves as the Division Director of Genitourinary malignancies. While he is trained and board-certified in all areas of Medical Oncology and Hematology, he specializes in genitourinary and skin cancers, as well as sarcomas and hematologic disorders. He joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in July 2016 after completing his Fellowship at the Mayo Clinic. An Arizona native, he earned an undergraduate degree in Biology and minor in Spanish (conversational Spanish) at Arizona State University prior to attending the University of Arizona for his medical doctorate. He has also been featured as a Top Doctor in Phoenix Magazine. However, what he values most is receiving the Gold Humanism Award, which recognized him as a physician that other doctors would choose for themselves or their family members.

Nicole is a board certified adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner. She grew up in central New Jersey and moved to Gilbert in 2011. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a minor in Public Health and her Doctorate of Nursing Practice at the University of Arizona. Prior to joining Ironwood, she worked as an operating room circulating nurse as well as on a cardiac telemetry unit.

Dr. Kellogg has practiced with Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers as a partner since 1995. He is a graduate of Wayne State University School of Medicine and completed his residency and fellowship at Wayne State University Affiliated Hospitals. Prior to joining ICRC Dr. Kellogg was an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Wayne State University and the Detroit Medical Center. While at the university, in addition to treating patients Dr. Kellogg was involved in conducting multiple clinical research studies. He is at present an investigator in research trials.

Megan Lorenz, FNP was raised in Tempe, Arizona. Since childhood, providing healthcare has been a personal goal of hers. She attended nursing school at Mesa Community College, graduating in 2001. After deciding to further her career, she attended Grand Canyon University, earning her Masters of Science in Nursing in 2014.

Dr. Heidi Rula joined Ironwood in 2018 to launch the Integrative Oncology program.  She is board certified in family medicine and fellowship trained in Integrative Medicine.  Dr. Rula has been a practicing physician in the Phoenix area for approximately 20 years and has been recognized by her colleagues as one of Phoenix’s “Top Doctors” on multiple occasions.  ** Integrative Oncology appointments can only be scheduled for established patients at this time.**

Joining Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in 2004, Dr. Shtivelband received his medical degree and PhD in Experimental Hematology in Russia. After Internal Medicine Residency, Dr. Shtivelband received fellowship training in Hematology and Medical Oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, where he stayed for an additional year to participate in experimental research. Treating patients with gastrointestinal malignancies, myeloma & lymphoma and hematological disorders , Dr. Shtivelband has particular interest in developing research programs to bring the newest advances in the field of Oncology and Hematology to our community. Dr. Shtivelband also heads the Ironwood Cancer & Research Center’s research program. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology.

Dr. Pineda offers women with gynecologic cancers a comprehensive approach to their care including radical pelvic and vulvar surgery, advanced minimally invasive and robotic procedures, and laser surgery.  Areas of specialty include treatment of ovarian, fallopian, primary peritoneal and uterine cancers; cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancer (including pre-invasive lesions); and gestational trophoblastic disease.  He has extensive experience in chemotherapeutic and clinical trial management of patients.

Dr. Hernandez is an Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon and specializes in the treatment of benign and cancerous breast diseases. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons. He is a board-certified surgeon and has recently re-certified with the American Board of surgery for the fourth time in his career. Regularly featured in Phoenix Magazine’s annual list of Top Doctors, Dr. Hernandez has been credited in the state of Arizona as being one of the earliest pioneers in the field of breast-conserving surgery, and advanced innovative techniques as Oncoplastic Surgery, Brachytherapy, and Nipple-Areolar Skin-Sparing Mastectomies.

Dr. Ian Komenaka is a board-certified general surgeon who completed the Breast surgical oncology fellowship at Columbia University- Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. He specializes in treatment of both benign and malignant diseases of the breast. He completed his undergraduate education at Cornell University and returned home to the University of Hawaii to complete medical school. He completed surgical residency at New York Methodist Hospital. After fellowship at Columbia University, he also completed post-fellowship training in Genetic cancer risk assessment at City of Hope National Medical Center.

Dr. Akbar specializes in and treats all areas of adult cancers and hematologic disorders. He is a firm believer of bringing quality care closer to home and is a strong and compassionate patient advocate who is committed to developing long term relationships with his patients in order to improve their health. He is dedicated to utilizing innovative and personalized treatment options in order to improve patient outcomes and ensure all their pressing needs are being met.

Dr. Ian DeRoock joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in 2009 after completing a residency in Internal Medicine followed by a fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at the University of California at Davis. He is a first-generation Panamanian American fluent in both English and Spanish. He previously earned his medical degree at the University of Arizona. Dr. DeRoock is board certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology.

He specializes in all gastrointestinal malignancies, myeloma & lymphoma, and hematologic disorders. He has been active in developing clinical trials for pancreatic cancer and lymphoma and has presented his research findings at the American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting as well as the Annual Pan-Pacific Lymphoma Conference. He is at present an investigator in research trials.

Jennifer is a Family Nurse Practitioner. She graduated from Arizona State University with her Doctorate in Nursing Practice.

Prior to working at Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers, she worked as a Registered Nurse in Oncology for eight years after graduating with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Rhode Island.

Dr. Puneet Bhalla is a board-certified Medical Oncologist specializing in genitourinary and lung malignancies. He joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in September 2006. A strong patient advocate, he routinely picks up the phone to communicate with other physicians and health insurance companies on his patient’s behalf. He has been nominated as “Top Doc” in medical oncology by his peers several times in PHOENIX Magazine.

Dr. Neel Dharia joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in January 2012. Dr. Dharia received his medical degree from Mumbai University, Mahatma Gandhi Missions Medical College in 1999. His residency was completed in Internal Medicine at McLaren Regional Medical Center and Michigan State University College of Human Medicine in Flint, Michigan. He has been selected by his professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine.

Dr. Gross specializes in genitourinary, gastrointestinal and skin malignancies and is board certified in radiation oncology. He received a Bachelor of Science degree, cum laude, in biology with chemistry minor from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He earned his medical doctorate from the University of Nevada School of Medicine. He has been selected by his professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine.

Nicole is a board certified adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner. She grew up in central New Jersey and moved to Gilbert in 2011. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a minor in Public Health and her Doctorate of Nursing Practice at the University of Arizona. Prior to joining Ironwood, she worked as an operating room circulating nurse as well as on a cardiac telemetry unit.

Dr. Anita Koszyk-Szewczyk joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in July 2009, after completing her Hematology and Oncology training at Penn State University Hershey Medical Center. Dr.Szewczyk has earned her medical degree at Jagiellonian University Collegium Medicum in Krakow, Poland and Honors Biology at McMaster University Hamilton, Canada.

She served as Chief Fellow at Penn State University and she specializes in breast malignancies and hematological disorders. She is at present an investigator in research trials. She has been selected by her professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine

She is originally from Poland and Canada. She is board certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology.

Jenny received her Master’s Degree in Science of Nursing from Grand Canyon University. She is board certified by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.

Dr. Mantripragada specializes in gastrointestinal malignancies and hematologic disorders. He joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in March 2018.

He earned his medical degree from Rangaraya Medical College. He has a Master of Public Health from Western Kentucky University. He completed his Internal Medicine Residency at the Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center and his Hematology & Medical Oncology Fellowship at Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.

He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians a member of the American College of Physicians, American Society of Clinical Oncology, and American Society of Hematology.

Dr. Sumeet Mendonca serves as the Director Of Breast Oncology at Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers. She received her medical degree from University of Mumbai after which she spent several years in research at the Center for Immunotherapy of Cancer and Infectious Diseases at University of Connecticut. Her work was very well received and resulted in several publications in premier peer reviewed journals. She completed her training in Medical Oncology at St Elizabeth Medical Center, Tufts University, Boston and while she is Board certified in Medical Oncology, she has further specialized in breast malignancies. Dr. Sumeet Mendonca has been a practicing oncologist in Arizona since 2008, initially with Desert Oncology Associates and has been with Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers since their merger in 2012.

Dr. Onyemaechi Okolo-Taku joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in 2021. She has been blessed with a multicultural and multinational upbringing, which has greatly influenced her everyday interactions, her cultural competency, and her work. Dr. Okolo- Taku completed her undergraduate degree at The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, and after college moved to Spain for a little over 1 year. She spent the first two years of medical school at St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada and finished off in New York City. While in medical school she did international electives in Nicaragua and the Czech Republic. After NYC, she moved to Tucson, Arizona, where she completed her internal medicine residency, hematology and oncology fellowship, and integrative medicine fellowship. She is a member of ASCO, ASH, SIO, and IOWG.

Davis A. Romney, MD joined Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers in December of 2013 after serving as the director of the East Valley Center of Arizona Oncology Services in Mesa for the last 4 years. Dr. Romney is board certified in Radiation Oncology by the American Board of Radiology, specializing in breast, gynecologic, lung, head & neck and thyroid malignancies. He has been selected by his professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine.

Dr. Trebska’s professional interests focus on both benign and malignant breast disorders, as well as treatment and screening of high-risk breast cancer. She offers her patients both breast conserving oncoplastic surgeries as well as total mastectomies. In cooperation with plastic surgeons, she will ensure the best cosmetic and oncologic outcome for her patients. When axillary dissection is required, she performs reverse axillary mapping to decrease the risk of lymphedema.

Dr. Pineda offers women with gynecologic cancers a comprehensive approach to their care including radical pelvic and vulvar surgery, advanced minimally invasive and robotic procedures, and laser surgery.  Areas of specialty include treatment of ovarian, fallopian, primary peritoneal and uterine cancers; cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancer (including pre-invasive lesions); and gestational trophoblastic disease.  He has extensive experience in chemotherapeutic and clinical trial management of patients.

Dr. Blackburn completed his Gynecologic Oncology fellowship at The West Cancer Center/University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. Blackburn earned his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida.  After completing his medical degree also at the University of South Florida – Morsani College of Medicine, he trained in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tennessee.

Dr. Blackburn is a highly trained specialist with additional medical education in surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation for the treatment of gynecological cancers, including ovarian, endometrial, cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers. Dr. Blackburn has been published in several peer-reviewed medical journals and has presented at multiple national meetings.  He is an active member of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Society of Gynecologic Oncology, American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Dr. Hernandez is an Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon and specializes in the treatment of benign and cancerous breast diseases. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons. He is a board-certified surgeon and has recently re-certified with the American Board of surgery for the fourth time in his career. Regularly featured in Phoenix Magazine’s annual list of Top Doctors, Dr. Hernandez has been credited in the state of Arizona as being one of the earliest pioneers in the field of breast-conserving surgery, and advanced innovative techniques as Oncoplastic Surgery, Brachytherapy, and Nipple-Areolar Skin-Sparing Mastectomies.

Dr. Ho joined Ironwood Women’s Centers in September 2017.  Dr. Ho is a board certified fellowship trained breast surgeon. She completed her Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship at the John Wayne Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, CA. She is an active member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, the Society of Surgical Oncology, the American College of Surgeons, the American Medical Association and the TARGIT Collaborative Group.

Amber is a bilingual (Spanish/English) board-certified Nurse Practitioner who was born and raised in Arizona. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University followed by her Master of Science in Nursing from University of Phoenix.

Dr. Rajesh Bagai joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in August 2013. He earned his medical degree at the age of 23 from Northeast Ohio Medical University, having completed the six-year honors program in medicine. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology and Hematology. Dr. Bagai has been selected by his professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine.

Dr. Balandin joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in September 2014.  He received his medical degree in the Ukraine. He also was awarded a prestigious scholarship sponsored by the US Government and was studying at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he graduated from an MPH program. Dr. Balandin has a specializes in gastrointestinal malignancies and hematologic disorders. He is at present an investigator in research trials. He is fluent in Russian, Polish and Ukrainian.

Amber was born and raised in Arizona and has worked as an oncology nurse since 2011. She received her Bachelors and Masters of Science in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner from Grand Canyon University. As a registered nurse, Amber has worked oncology, hematology, and bone marrow transplant. Amber is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the Oncology Nursing Society. Amber is very passionate about oncology and excited to be working with the Ironwood team.

Amber lives in Glendale with her husband and one daughter. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, watching sports, playing sand volleyball, and spending time with her family and friends.

Dr. Elisa Tso Bomgaars is a board-certified Medical Oncologist and joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in October 2013. She specializes in Lung, Head & Neck malignancies, Myeloma & Lymphoma and hematologic disorders. She has been involved in clinical and drug development research at the Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center in Omaha, Nebraska, and has presented at several American Society of Clinical Oncology and Hematology annual meetings. She is at present an investigator in research trials.

Dr. James Ewing specializes in genitourinary and gastrointestinal malignancies. He is board-certified in Medical Oncology and Internal Medicine. Dr. Ewing values patient relationships and is dedicated to personalized cancer care, utilizing advanced treatment options with particular interest in targeted therapy and immunotherapy. He ensures that patients understand their diagnosis, prognosis, treatment options in a collaborative manner and believes in a patient-centered approach to cancer care.

Dr. Tejinder Kaur has been practicing in the west valley of Phoenix, Arizona since 1997. She joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in February 2015. She is Board certified in Medical Oncology. Dr. Kaur believes in the current, evidence-based practice of Medical Oncology, and in providing individualized, comprehensive, and compassionate care.

Scott is originally from the Philadelphia area and completed his training receiving his Master’s Degree in PA Sciences at Saint Francis University, Pennsylvania in 2004. After completing PA school, Scott moved to Phoenix Arizona where he started his career working in Radiation and Medical Oncology.

Dr. Patrick Miller is a board-certified Radiation Oncologist who specializes in breast and gastrointestinal malignancies. He joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in February 2015. He has practiced in central Phoenix at J.C. Lincoln Hospital and in the west valley at Boswell and Del Webb since 1996.

Dr. Murali Murty is a board-certified Radiation Oncologist and joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in November 2014. Dr. Murty specializes in genitourinary, lung ,head & neck, skin & sarcoma malignancies and myeloma & lymphoma. He has been selected by his professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine.

Dr. Joseph Nabong is Chief of Strategy and Development for Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers. He is a board-certified medical oncologist and specializes in genitourinary, breast malignancies and hematologic disorders. He is at present an investigator in research trials. Dr. Nabong joined Ironwood Physicians, P.C., in 2003 as a Medical Oncologist. As Ironwood grew Dr. Nabong became the Chief of Strategy and Development. Dr. Nabong is genuinely the “heartbeat” of Ironwood.

Marytza joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers March 2023, she is a bilingual (Spanish/English) board-certified Nurse Practitioner, born and raised in a small town in California. She packed her bags and made the Sonoran Desert her new home; earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from ASU, followed by her Master’s of Science in Nursing from University of Phoenix. Prior to joining Ironwood, Marytza worked as an urgent care Nurse Practitioner diagnosing in a high paced environment. Before her career as a Nurse Practitioner, Marytza dedicated herself to her patients and developed her skills as a registered nurse in both the progressive care unit and emergency department. During her free time, Marytza enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. She enjoys hiking, camping, and visiting National Parks with her husband. Marytza recently had a son and is excited to travel with him as well. She also loves spoiling her fur babies; Cookie, Logan and Luna.

Cathy is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner.  She has a BA in Nursing from Wright State University and a Master of Nursing from the University of California at Los Angeles.

Dr. Joshua Rifkind is a board-certified medical oncologist. He joined Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers in September 2017. Dr. Rifkind strongly believes in the importance of personalized health care for each individual patient. As such he created and led a multi-disciplinary breast cancer tumor board for the southern region at Dartmouth-Hitchcock. He is at present an investigator in research trials.

Keegan originally pursued a Bachelor’s in Social Work at Western Kentucky University in 2001. She then decided that becoming a nurse would more closely align with her goals of caring for the community and obtained her Associates in Nursing at Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Dr. Sandhu specializes breast cancer and hematologic disorders. By careful listening and using latest technological advances she forms an individualized treatment plan for her patients. In her words “I want to be with my patients at every step of their medical journey”. She is a member of American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and American Society of Hematology (ASH). Her research is published in high-impact journals such as Cancer Cell, Clinical Cancer Research, Blood, etc.

Christine Saraceni, DO, MS attended medical school at Midwestern University, Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine. She joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in August 2016 where she specializes in breast malignancies and hematologic disorders. She values medical education and continues to mentor medical students and residents in her clinic and is currently a preceptor for Midwestern school of medicine. She has been selected by her professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine.

Ashley Schohn is an Ohio native and came to Arizona in 2016. Since being in Arizona, Ashley and her loving husband have had three beautiful children. They enjoy having dinner together as a family every day, and doing outings together.

Ashley graduated with her nursing degree in 2010, and with her advance practice degree by 2014.  She joined Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers in October 2022, where she specializes in hematology and oncology.  Ashley and her team continue to treat all of their beloved patients and provide excellent evidence-based oncology care to each patient.

Dr. Sehdev specializes in gastrointestinal and skin malignancies as well as sarcomas and hematologic disorders. He is at present an investigator in research trials. His practice philosophy is to develop a high-quality individualized care plan by compassionately listening to his patients and integrating a team-based approach for the best outcomes. Dr. Sehdev is actively involved in the education of medical students and residents Midwestern University and serves as extended faculty. Aside from medicine, he enjoys running, reading, photography, playing chess and spending time with his family.

Dr. Darshil Shah serves as the Director of the Gastrointestinal Oncology Division at Ironwood. He joined Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers in July 2017. Dr. Shah is Board Certified in Hematology and Medical Oncology. Dr. Shah specializes in gastrointestinal malignancies. He has published manuscripts in reputed peer-reviewed journals. His professional peers have selected him as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine.

Bettina (Tina) is a Nurse Practitioner for Ironwood Radiation Oncology Department in our Glendale location.  She attended St. Vincent School of Nursing, Toledo, Ohio to become an RN.  She has a Bachelor Science of Nursing from Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio.  At the University of Toledo, she completed her Family Nurse Practitioner education.  She worked at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center, Toledo, Ohio for 30 years; 22 of these years were in Radiation Oncology.

Zabita Singh, MD joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in April 2019. She attended medical school at UCLA, completed Internal Medicine residency at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles, and finished a fellowship in Hematology/Oncology at Harbor-UCLA. She worked at Kaiser Permanente in California for several years before deciding to return to her home state of Arizona. Dr. Singh is board certified in Hematology and Oncology. She specializes in breast malignancies and hematologic disorders. Her goal is to deliver cutting edge medical care with compassion, sincerity, and sensitivity. She is at present an investigator in research trials. She has been selected by her professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine.

Dr. Vaidya joined Ironwood Women’s Centers in July 2016. Dr. Rashmi Pradhan Vaidya who is double Board Certified in Surgery having trained in both India (2000) and the US (2009) has been practicing exclusively breast surgical oncology since completing her Breast Surgery Fellowship from the Cleveland Clinic in 2009. In the office setting Dr. Vaidya sees patients for the following conditions: newly diagnosed breast cancer, breast cancer treatment, minimally invasive image-guided breast biopsy, genetic counseling for family history, risk assessment for high-risk pathology and benign breast diseases.

Amber is a bilingual (Spanish/English) board-certified Nurse Practitioner who was born and raised in Arizona. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University followed by her Master of Science in Nursing from University of Phoenix.

Scott is originally from the Philadelphia area and completed his training receiving his Master’s Degree in PA Sciences at Saint Francis University, Pennsylvania in 2004. After completing PA school, Scott moved to Phoenix Arizona where he started his career working in Radiation and Medical Oncology.

Dr. Murali Murty is a board-certified Radiation Oncologist and joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in November 2014. Dr. Murty specializes in genitourinary, lung ,head & neck, skin & sarcoma malignancies and myeloma & lymphoma. He has been selected by his professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine.

Dr. Chandar specializes in gastrointestinal malignancies and hematologic disorders. She believes in the importance of communication with patients and their families, to ensure there is a clear understanding of a patient’s diagnosis and the available treatment options. Her focus is on providing an individualized approach to Oncology care, personalizing care to the needs of each patient.

Dr. Bansal is a triple board-certified oncologist. He specializes in lung, head & neck malignancies as well as hematologic disorders. He has a diverse breadth of experience both in training and in practice. He has trained at nationally renowned institutions in the US and India. He has published multiple research articles in the field of oncology and lung cancer, he has presented his research at national meetings over the years. He is at present an investigator in research trials.

Dr. Ronik Bhangoo is a Radiation Oncologist and joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in January 2022. Dr. Bhangoo believes in providing high quality, compassionate, and patient-centered cancer care to patients in their own community. He collaborates closely with a multidisciplinary cancer care team to provide patients a comprehensive but individualized approach to treating cancer. Dr. Bhangoo prioritizes a patient’s cancer care goals and recommends treatment options accordingly.

Dr. Monique Chang joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in August 2006. Dr. Chang is a board-certified medical oncologist who specializes in breast malignancies and hematologic disorders. Her practice is focused on the prevention of recurrence after surgery and treatment of recurrences. She has been selected by her professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine.

Dr. Victor Chiu joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in 2022. He understands the importance of creating a personalized care plan for each patient, which may include molecularly targeted therapies, immunotherapy, or other new therapies in clinical trials. He specializes in the treatment of breast, skin and sarcoma malignancies and hematologic disorders.

Megan was born and raised in Mesa, Arizona.  She graduated from Chamberlain College of Nursing with her BSN in 2015. She has worked mostly with Oncology patients throughout her experience as a Registered Nurse. She started out at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and quickly fell in love with the culture and compassion of the Oncology Field. Since then, she has pursued further education and received her Master of Science/Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Phoenix in 2022

Nicole is a board certified adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner. She grew up in central New Jersey and moved to Gilbert in 2011. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a minor in Public Health and her Doctorate of Nursing Practice at the University of Arizona. Prior to joining Ironwood, she worked as an operating room circulating nurse as well as on a cardiac telemetry unit.

Dr. Luke Halbur joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in 2005, following his residency in Internal Medicine and fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at the University of California at Irvine. Dr. Halbur specializes in genitourinary, gastrointestinal malignancies and hematologic disorders. He has been an active member of several physician leadership committees at Banner Baywood Medical Center to help improve the overall care of patients in his community. He has been selected by his professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine.

Dr. Kantala is a board certified Hematologist and Medical Oncologist who joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in 2009. Dr. Kantala earned his medical degree from the Mahatma Gandhi Medical College in India. Dr. Kantala specializes in gastrointestinal malignancies and hematologic disorders. He keeps up to date by staying active and involved in the professional community, by attending meetings and reading journals. He has been selected by his professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine.

Dr. Khanuja completed his medical degree at Christian Medical College in Ludhiana, India. His fellowship followed at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit. Dr. Khanuja is a Diplomate, Subspecialty Board of Medical Oncology and Hematology and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.

He is the Founding Member of Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, the largest comprehensive private practice model with approximately one hundred providers in the Phoenix metro area. Dr. Khanuja is a board member of the Five Rivers foundation, primarily involved in social causes and scholarships.

Dr. Michael Musci specializes in lung, head & neck malignancies, myeloma & lymphoma and hematologic disorders. He joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in June 2007 as a Medical Oncologist. Dr. Musci received his medical degree and Ph.D. at the University of Iowa. After Internal Medicine Residency, Dr. Musci received fellowship training in Hematology-Oncology at UCSD Medical Center in San Diego, California. Dr. Musci is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology. He is at present an investigator in research trials.

Dr. Tam Nguyen is a board certified Radiation Oncologist and joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in July of 2021. He had previously practiced in Show Low and Las Vegas where he was voted Castle Connolly Regional Top Doctors for 2014-2018. He specializes in gastrointestinal, lung, head & neck, and skin & sarcoma malignancies. He enjoys teaching and has helped instruct Medical Oncology and Gynecological Oncology fellows in the role of radiation therapy.

Jasiya was born in Hyderabad, India and grew up in Albuquerque, NM. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of New Mexico.  As a work-study student, she worked in UNM Cancer Research, where she developed her interest in cancer research.

Dr. Pineda offers women with gynecologic cancers a comprehensive approach to their care including radical pelvic and vulvar surgery, advanced minimally invasive and robotic procedures, and laser surgery.  Areas of specialty include treatment of ovarian, fallopian, primary peritoneal and uterine cancers; cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancer (including pre-invasive lesions); and gestational trophoblastic disease.  He has extensive experience in chemotherapeutic and clinical trial management of patients.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Dr. Eden earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He traveled to Arizona with his wife, Jill, and completed a surgical residency at Phoenix General Hospital.

Dr. Eden has maintained a private practice of General Surgery in Mesa since 1985. He is board certified in General Surgery and has earned the honor Fellow, American College of Osteopathic Surgeons. He is a member of his state and national Osteopathic Medical Associations. In addition, Dr. Eden is a member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons. Through this society, he has earned certification in breast ultrasound.

Dr. Blackburn completed his Gynecologic Oncology fellowship at The West Cancer Center/University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. Blackburn earned his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida.  After completing his medical degree also at the University of South Florida – Morsani College of Medicine, he trained in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tennessee.

Dr. Blackburn is a highly trained specialist with additional medical education in surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation for the treatment of gynecological cancers, including ovarian, endometrial, cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers. Dr. Blackburn has been published in several peer-reviewed medical journals and has presented at multiple national meetings.  He is an active member of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Society of Gynecologic Oncology, American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Brandon J. Anderson, MD is a fellowship trained breast surgical oncologist.  He completed his fellowship training at City of Hope National Medical Center learning the nuances of treating both benign and malignant breast disease.  Dr. Anderson earned his Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology for Stanford University and later went on to complete his Doctor of Medicine degree at Howard University College of Medicine.  He is board certified in General Surgery and completed his residency at Anne Arundel Medical Center.

Dr. Ho joined Ironwood Women’s Centers in September 2017.  Dr. Ho is a board certified fellowship trained breast surgeon. She completed her Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship at the John Wayne Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, CA. She is an active member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, the Society of Surgical Oncology, the American College of Surgeons, the American Medical Association and the TARGIT Collaborative Group.

mille is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner at Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers, working alongside Dr. Chad Cherington. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Grand Canyon University and Master of Science in Nursing- Family Nurse Practitioner at Walden University. She is board certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Camille began her career as a registered nurse in both inpatient and outpatient oncology-medical/surgical settings. There, her interests in pursuing her nurse practitioner degree grew. With her years of experience in cancer care, Camille understands the need for compassionate care and a reliable care team that patients can trust. She believes in providing quality care for her patients and their families and advocating for their needs. Camille resides in Gilbert, Arizona with her husband and three cats. She enjoys traveling, cooking, working out, and spending time with family and friends.

Dr. Akbar specializes in and treats all areas of adult cancers and hematologic disorders. He is a firm believer of bringing quality care closer to home and is a strong and compassionate patient advocate who is committed to developing long term relationships with his patients in order to improve their health. He is dedicated to utilizing innovative and personalized treatment options in order to improve patient outcomes and ensure all their pressing needs are being met.

Jennifer is a Family Nurse Practitioner. She graduated from Arizona State University with her Doctorate in Nursing Practice.

Prior to working at Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers, she worked as a Registered Nurse in Oncology for eight years after graduating with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Rhode Island.

Dr. Anu Batra interests include advancing the field of breast cancer research, to improve therapeutic approaches in treatment of patients with all stages of breast cancer including rare breast cancers as well as breast cancer prevention. She is at present an investigator in research trials and encourages expanding access to clinical trials for patients in the community. She has expertise in the growing field of precision and personalized medicine along with immuno– oncology and is committed to providing patient centered care with compassion. She specializes in breast malignancies, myeloma and lymphoma and hematologic disorders.

Jennifer was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina where her family still resides. She first obtained her Associates Degree in Nursing in 2000 at Trident Technical College in Charleston. She has since held many positions taking care of oncology patients as an RN.

Dr. Cherington serves as the Division Director of Genitourinary malignancies. While he is trained and board-certified in all areas of Medical Oncology and Hematology, he specializes in genitourinary and skin cancers, as well as sarcomas and hematologic disorders. He joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in July 2016 after completing his Fellowship at the Mayo Clinic. An Arizona native, he earned an undergraduate degree in Biology and minor in Spanish (conversational Spanish) at Arizona State University prior to attending the University of Arizona for his medical doctorate. He has also been featured as a Top Doctor in Phoenix Magazine. However, what he values most is receiving the Gold Humanism Award, which recognized him as a physician that other doctors would choose for themselves or their family members.

Alex is originally from Seoul, Korea, where his father served in the U.S. Army. He grew up in the Midwest and attended Kansas State University, obtaining a degree in Mathematics. He then attended Fort Hays State University earning his Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. He later attended Chamberlain College of Nursing to earn his Master’s of Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Dr. Neel Dharia joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in January 2012. Dr. Dharia received his medical degree from Mumbai University, Mahatma Gandhi Missions Medical College in 1999. His residency was completed in Internal Medicine at McLaren Regional Medical Center and Michigan State University College of Human Medicine in Flint, Michigan. He has been selected by his professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine.

Dr. Kalmadi joined Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers in 2008 and serves as Chief Medical Officer.  After finishing his medical schooling in India, Dr. Sujith Kalmadi completed his residency training and fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Kalmadi is actively involved in the education of medical students and residents from Creighton University School of Medicine and Midwestern University and serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor in Hematology and Medical Oncology at both institutions. He has been selected multiple years by his professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine.

Dr. Ortiz Cruz joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Center in September 2014, after completing her hematology and medical oncology fellowship at the University of South Carolina in Charleston. Dr. Ortiz specializes in breast malignancies and hematologic disorders. Dr. Ortiz’s goal is to deliver the best care available for her patients by providing personalized treatment planning in conjunction with cutting-edge therapy.

Dr. Polowy joined Desert Oncology in 2004 and has been practicing with Ironwood Cancer Research Centers since their merger in 2012. He earned his medical degree at the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Dr. Polowy completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois and was named Senior Resident of the Year. He continued his training at Rush and completed his fellowship in Hematology/Oncology and served as Chief Fellow.

Dr. Laura Champagne is a board-certified General Surgeon who has been in clinical practice since 2004.  Her professional interests are focused on the treatment of all types of breast disease with an emphasis on the treatment of breast cancer. Dr. Champagne takes pride in making patient-specific treatment recommendations while using an evidence-based approach.  She engages in collaborative, multidisciplinary breast cancer care for each patient.  Treatment decisions are coordinated with the medical oncologist, radiation oncologists, and plastic surgeons.

Dr. Ian Komenaka is a board-certified general surgeon who completed the Breast surgical oncology fellowship at Columbia University- Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. He specializes in treatment of both benign and malignant diseases of the breast. He completed his undergraduate education at Cornell University and returned home to the University of Hawaii to complete medical school. He completed surgical residency at New York Methodist Hospital. After fellowship at Columbia University, he also completed post-fellowship training in Genetic cancer risk assessment at City of Hope National Medical Center.

Dr. Monique Chang joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in August 2006. Dr. Chang is a board-certified medical oncologist who specializes in breast malignancies and hematologic disorders. Her practice is focused on the prevention of recurrence after surgery and treatment of recurrences. She has been selected by her professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine.

Dr. Ho joined Ironwood Women’s Centers in September 2017.  Dr. Ho is a board certified fellowship trained breast surgeon. She completed her Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship at the John Wayne Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, CA. She is an active member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, the Society of Surgical Oncology, the American College of Surgeons, the American Medical Association and the TARGIT Collaborative Group.

Dr. Kantala is a board certified Hematologist and Medical Oncologist who joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in 2009. Dr. Kantala earned his medical degree from the Mahatma Gandhi Medical College in India. Dr. Kantala specializes in gastrointestinal malignancies and hematologic disorders. He keeps up to date by staying active and involved in the professional community, by attending meetings and reading journals. He has been selected by his professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine.

Cynthia Carsten, MSN, AGACNP-BC, AOCNP has been in oncology care for over 10 years.  In 2015 she earned her Master of Science in Nursing from UCLA.  She is board certified in Adult/Gero Acute Care, and is an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner as well.  In addition to providing excellent, evidence-based oncology care, providing compassionate and personal care is her top priority where she enjoys building relationships with her patients.  And she is thrilled to provide oncology care with Dr. Klein!  Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and learning to play the ukulele.

Dr. Khanuja specializes in breast cancer and hematologic disorders. She is board certified in medical oncology and hematology and is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, as well as the American Society of Hematology. She has presented in national meetings on loco-regional treatment in breast cancer, and complementary and alternative medicine in oncology patients. She recognizes the importance of further advancing medical education and enjoys mentorship of medical students as a Clinical Instructor in Hematology/Medical Oncology at Creighton University. Dr. Khanuja values long term relationships with her patients and is dedicated to improving their health with compassionate, team-based, holistic cancer care in her hometown of Phoenix. She strives to treat each patient as an individual and places a special emphasis on women’s health and survivorship. She is committed to providing her patients with tailored treatment options, including endocrine therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and next-generation testing.

Dr. James Ewing specializes in genitourinary and gastrointestinal malignancies. He is board-certified in Medical Oncology and Internal Medicine. Dr. Ewing values patient relationships and is dedicated to personalized cancer care, utilizing advanced treatment options with particular interest in targeted therapy and immunotherapy. He ensures that patients understand their diagnosis, prognosis, treatment options in a collaborative manner and believes in a patient-centered approach to cancer care.

Dr. Tara Iyengar primarily specializes in breast malignancies and hematologic disorders. She joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in March 2013. Dr. Iyengar is a published researcher and board certified in hematology and oncology. This expertise strengthens Dr. Iyengar’s ability to plan the optimal treatment course. She can balance the benefits of standard treatments with cutting-edge clinical trial data. She has been selected by her professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine.

Dr. Klein specializes in gastrointestinal, skin & sarcoma malignancies, thyroid/neuroendocrine tumors and hematologic disorders. Her accomplished research background includes authoring a breast cancer clinical trial. She is at present an investigator in research trials. She is known for her compassionate, upbeat personality. “I develop relationships with my patients and treat them as I would my own loved ones.” She has been selected by her professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine. She enjoys travel with her husband, two children, and dog.

Dr. Kukunoor serves as the Director of Lung, Head & Neck Oncology Division at Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers. His clinical practice is focused on Lung and thoracic malignancies, Head and Neck and genitourinary malignancies (prostate, kidney, bladder, testicular) and hematologic disorders. He has a keen interest in targeted therapeutics and the quickly evolving landscape of precision oncology. He has been selected by his professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine.

Leti is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She received her bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Barret, The Honors College at Arizona State University, and her master’s degree from Grand Canyon University. Her nursing background includes NICU and pediatric primary care at St Joseph’s Hospital in Downtown Phoenix.

Dr. Boo Ghee Low joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in March 2013. Dr. Low graduated from the University of Madras and pursued his medical education at the Stanley Medical College. Dr. Low specializes in lung, head & neck malignancies and hematologic disorders. He is at present an investigator in research trials.

Ryan is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and board-certified Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner. He completed his Bachelors of Science in Nursing in 1996 at Emory University and completed his Masters of Science in Nursing in 2003 at Georgia State University.

Cathy is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner.  She has a BA in Nursing from Wright State University and a Master of Nursing from the University of California at Los Angeles.

Lindsey is a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has lived in Arizona for the majority of her life. She obtained her nursing degree in 2012 and has worked exclusively with oncology patients and their families her entire nursing career. Lindsey received her Master of Science in Nursing degree from Franklin University. Lindsey is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the Oncology Nursing Society.

Lindsey enjoys spending her free time raising her daughter with her husband, traveling, and reading.

Keegan originally pursued a Bachelor’s in Social Work at Western Kentucky University in 2001. She then decided that becoming a nurse would more closely align with her goals of caring for the community and obtained her Associates in Nursing at Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Dr. Jason Salganick joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in May 2013. He specializes in myeloma & lymphoma and hematologic disorders. Dr. Salganick is actively involved in the education of medical students and residents from Creighton University School of Medicine and serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor in Hematology and Medical Oncology. He has been selected by his professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine.

Ashley Schohn is an Ohio native and came to Arizona in 2016. Since being in Arizona, Ashley and her loving husband have had three beautiful children. They enjoy having dinner together as a family every day, and doing outings together.

Ashley graduated with her nursing degree in 2010, and with her advance practice degree by 2014.  She joined Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers in October 2022, where she specializes in hematology and oncology.  Ashley and her team continue to treat all of their beloved patients and provide excellent evidence-based oncology care to each patient.

Dr. Vaidya joined Ironwood Women’s Centers in July 2016. Dr. Rashmi Pradhan Vaidya who is double Board Certified in Surgery having trained in both India (2000) and the US (2009) has been practicing exclusively breast surgical oncology since completing her Breast Surgery Fellowship from the Cleveland Clinic in 2009. In the office setting Dr. Vaidya sees patients for the following conditions: newly diagnosed breast cancer, breast cancer treatment, minimally invasive image-guided breast biopsy, genetic counseling for family history, risk assessment for high-risk pathology and benign breast diseases.

Dr. Luke Halbur joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in 2005, following his residency in Internal Medicine and fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at the University of California at Irvine. Dr. Halbur specializes in genitourinary, gastrointestinal malignancies and hematologic disorders. He has been an active member of several physician leadership committees at Banner Baywood Medical Center to help improve the overall care of patients in his community. He has been selected by his professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine.

Jasiya was born in Hyderabad, India and grew up in Albuquerque, NM. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of New Mexico.  As a work-study student, she worked in UNM Cancer Research, where she developed her interest in cancer research.

Dr. Blackburn completed his Gynecologic Oncology fellowship at The West Cancer Center/University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. Blackburn earned his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida.  After completing his medical degree also at the University of South Florida – Morsani College of Medicine, he trained in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tennessee.

Dr. Blackburn is a highly trained specialist with additional medical education in surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation for the treatment of gynecological cancers, including ovarian, endometrial, cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers. Dr. Blackburn has been published in several peer-reviewed medical journals and has presented at multiple national meetings.  He is an active member of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Society of Gynecologic Oncology, American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Cynthia Carsten, MSN, AGACNP-BC, AOCNP has been in oncology care for over 10 years.  In 2015 she earned her Master of Science in Nursing from UCLA.  She is board certified in Adult/Gero Acute Care, and is an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner as well.  In addition to providing excellent, evidence-based oncology care, providing compassionate and personal care is her top priority where she enjoys building relationships with her patients.  And she is thrilled to provide oncology care with Dr. Klein!  Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and learning to play the ukulele.

Dr. Khanuja specializes in breast cancer and hematologic disorders. She is board certified in medical oncology and hematology and is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, as well as the American Society of Hematology. She has presented in national meetings on loco-regional treatment in breast cancer, and complementary and alternative medicine in oncology patients. She recognizes the importance of further advancing medical education and enjoys mentorship of medical students as a Clinical Instructor in Hematology/Medical Oncology at Creighton University. Dr. Khanuja values long term relationships with her patients and is dedicated to improving their health with compassionate, team-based, holistic cancer care in her hometown of Phoenix. She strives to treat each patient as an individual and places a special emphasis on women’s health and survivorship. She is committed to providing her patients with tailored treatment options, including endocrine therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and next-generation testing.

Dr. Aaron Ambrad is a board-certified Radiation Oncologist and specializes in training in LDR, HDR, IMRT/IGRT, stereotactic radiation, as well as breast brachytherapy. He has expertise and specializes in breast, gynecologic, lung, head & neck and genitourinary malignancies. Dr. Ambrad is well-received and liked by his patients for his devotion and bedside manner and was recognized by Phoenix Magazine as a “Top Doc” in 2012, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023.

Dr. Rakesh Bagai joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in July 2014. Dr. Bagai specializes in gastrointestinal, CNS and skin & sarcoma malignancies. He has actively been involved in clinical research trials to further understand factors in cancer resistance and to develop novel treatment strategies. He has published in several well recognized, peer-reviewed journals and has presented at national meetings. He is at present an investigator in research trials .He has been selected by his professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine.

Dr. James Ewing specializes in genitourinary and gastrointestinal malignancies. He is board-certified in Medical Oncology and Internal Medicine. Dr. Ewing values patient relationships and is dedicated to personalized cancer care, utilizing advanced treatment options with particular interest in targeted therapy and immunotherapy. He ensures that patients understand their diagnosis, prognosis, treatment options in a collaborative manner and believes in a patient-centered approach to cancer care.

Dr. Tara Iyengar primarily specializes in breast malignancies and hematologic disorders. She joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in March 2013. Dr. Iyengar is a published researcher and board certified in hematology and oncology. This expertise strengthens Dr. Iyengar’s ability to plan the optimal treatment course. She can balance the benefits of standard treatments with cutting-edge clinical trial data. She has been selected by her professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine.

Dr. Klein specializes in gastrointestinal, skin & sarcoma malignancies, thyroid/neuroendocrine tumors and hematologic disorders. Her accomplished research background includes authoring a breast cancer clinical trial. She is at present an investigator in research trials. She is known for her compassionate, upbeat personality. “I develop relationships with my patients and treat them as I would my own loved ones.” She has been selected by her professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine. She enjoys travel with her husband, two children, and dog.

Dr. Kukunoor serves as the Director of Lung, Head & Neck Oncology Division at Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers. His clinical practice is focused on Lung and thoracic malignancies, Head and Neck and genitourinary malignancies (prostate, kidney, bladder, testicular) and hematologic disorders. He has a keen interest in targeted therapeutics and the quickly evolving landscape of precision oncology. He has been selected by his professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine.

Leti is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She received her bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Barret, The Honors College at Arizona State University, and her master’s degree from Grand Canyon University. Her nursing background includes NICU and pediatric primary care at St Joseph’s Hospital in Downtown Phoenix.

Dr. Boo Ghee Low joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in March 2013. Dr. Low graduated from the University of Madras and pursued his medical education at the Stanley Medical College. Dr. Low specializes in lung, head & neck malignancies and hematologic disorders. He is at present an investigator in research trials.

Marianne Mildenberger, MD has trained and worked in Canada and the United States. She completed medical school at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, where clinical rotations ranged from those found in a cosmopolitan city to the experience of health care delivery in a remote community on the northern BC coast.Dr. Mildenberger began her Radiation Oncology career at the British Columbia Cancer Agency.  She immigrated to the United States with her family and has lived and cared for patients in the greater Phoenix area for more than two decades.  Along the way, she became a US citizen.  Dr. Mildenberger brings to Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers, deep clinical experience in Radiation Oncology and the personal perspective of a cancer patient.

Ryan is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and board-certified Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner. He completed his Bachelors of Science in Nursing in 1996 at Emory University and completed his Masters of Science in Nursing in 2003 at Georgia State University.

Cathy is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner.  She has a BA in Nursing from Wright State University and a Master of Nursing from the University of California at Los Angeles.

Lindsey is a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has lived in Arizona for the majority of her life. She obtained her nursing degree in 2012 and has worked exclusively with oncology patients and their families her entire nursing career. Lindsey received her Master of Science in Nursing degree from Franklin University. Lindsey is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the Oncology Nursing Society.

Lindsey enjoys spending her free time raising her daughter with her husband, traveling, and reading.

Dr. Heidi Rula joined Ironwood in 2018 to launch the Integrative Oncology program.  She is board certified in family medicine and fellowship trained in Integrative Medicine.  Dr. Rula has been a practicing physician in the Phoenix area for approximately 20 years and has been recognized by her colleagues as one of Phoenix’s “Top Doctors” on multiple occasions.  ** Integrative Oncology appointments can only be scheduled for established patients at this time.**

Keegan originally pursued a Bachelor’s in Social Work at Western Kentucky University in 2001. She then decided that becoming a nurse would more closely align with her goals of caring for the community and obtained her Associates in Nursing at Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Dr. Jason Salganick joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in May 2013. He specializes in myeloma & lymphoma and hematologic disorders. Dr. Salganick is actively involved in the education of medical students and residents from Creighton University School of Medicine and serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor in Hematology and Medical Oncology. He has been selected by his professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine.

Ashley Schohn is an Ohio native and came to Arizona in 2016. Since being in Arizona, Ashley and her loving husband have had three beautiful children. They enjoy having dinner together as a family every day, and doing outings together.

Ashley graduated with her nursing degree in 2010, and with her advance practice degree by 2014.  She joined Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers in October 2022, where she specializes in hematology and oncology.  Ashley and her team continue to treat all of their beloved patients and provide excellent evidence-based oncology care to each patient.

Amy was born and raised in Minnesota and has worked as an oncology registered nurse since 2001. She received her Masters of Science of Nursing/Family Practice Nurse Practitioner degree in 2009.

Dr. Rakesh Bagai joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in July 2014. Dr. Bagai specializes in gastrointestinal, CNS and skin & sarcoma malignancies. He has actively been involved in clinical research trials to further understand factors in cancer resistance and to develop novel treatment strategies. He has published in several well recognized, peer-reviewed journals and has presented at national meetings. He is at present an investigator in research trials .He has been selected by his professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine.

Dr. Balandin joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in September 2014.  He received his medical degree in the Ukraine. He also was awarded a prestigious scholarship sponsored by the US Government and was studying at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he graduated from an MPH program. Dr. Balandin has a specializes in gastrointestinal malignancies and hematologic disorders. He is at present an investigator in research trials. He is fluent in Russian, Polish and Ukrainian.

Dr. Di Como treats both benign and malignant conditions of the breast. His additional training in breast surgery offers women with breast cancer a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to care utilizing breast conservation therapy and oncoplastic techniques. His current research interests are focused on rare breast lesions, inflammatory breast cancer, cancer genetics, and identifying patients at high risk for breast cancer. He is also passionate about community outreach and educating the public about breast health.

Dr. Tejinder Kaur has been practicing in the west valley of Phoenix, Arizona since 1997. She joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in February 2015. She is Board certified in Medical Oncology. Dr. Kaur believes in the current, evidence-based practice of Medical Oncology, and in providing individualized, comprehensive, and compassionate care.

Scott is originally from the Philadelphia area and completed his training receiving his Master’s Degree in PA Sciences at Saint Francis University, Pennsylvania in 2004. After completing PA school, Scott moved to Phoenix Arizona where he started his career working in Radiation and Medical Oncology.

Dr. Liu specializes in lung, head & neck malignancies, myeloma & lymphoma and hematologic disorders. He has been actively involved in both translational and clinical research. He has published in several well recognized, peer-reviewed journals and has presented at national meetings. He is an active member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology. He is at present an investigator in research trials.

Dr. Patrick Miller is a board-certified Radiation Oncologist who specializes in breast and gastrointestinal malignancies. He joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in February 2015. He has practiced in central Phoenix at J.C. Lincoln Hospital and in the west valley at Boswell and Del Webb since 1996.

Dr. Joseph Nabong is Chief of Strategy and Development for Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers. He is a board-certified medical oncologist and specializes in genitourinary, breast malignancies and hematologic disorders. He is at present an investigator in research trials. Dr. Nabong joined Ironwood Physicians, P.C., in 2003 as a Medical Oncologist. As Ironwood grew Dr. Nabong became the Chief of Strategy and Development. Dr. Nabong is genuinely the “heartbeat” of Ironwood.

Dr. Anthony Pasquarella joined Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers in September 2022. Dr. Pasquarella specializes in thoracic malignancies (Lung/Head & Neck cancer) and lymphoproliferative disorders such as Multiple Myeloma and Lymphoma and hematologic disorders. He is currently triple board certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology and Hematology. He received his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine and then went on to complete both his residency and fellowship at NYU Long Island School of Medicine in Mineola, New York.

Dr. Joshua Rifkind is a board-certified medical oncologist. He joined Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers in September 2017. Dr. Rifkind strongly believes in the importance of personalized health care for each individual patient. As such he created and led a multi-disciplinary breast cancer tumor board for the southern region at Dartmouth-Hitchcock. He is at present an investigator in research trials.

Zabita Singh, MD joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in April 2019. She attended medical school at UCLA, completed Internal Medicine residency at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles, and finished a fellowship in Hematology/Oncology at Harbor-UCLA. She worked at Kaiser Permanente in California for several years before deciding to return to her home state of Arizona. Dr. Singh is board certified in Hematology and Oncology. She specializes in breast malignancies and hematologic disorders. Her goal is to deliver cutting edge medical care with compassion, sincerity, and sensitivity. She is at present an investigator in research trials. She has been selected by her professional peers as a Top Doc in PHOENIX Magazine.